CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – Frequent flyers said they’re noticing more unhoused individuals sleeping or spending extended stretches of time at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, despite recent policy changes.
Charlotte Douglas International officials adopted a new premises access policy in June 2024 to prohibit people from staying on the property if they are not there for airport-related business.
The policy defines individuals with a ‘business purpose’ as airport employees, ticketed passengers and people picking them up or dropping them off at the property.
Seasoned traveler Brad Snyder said he has seen an increase in people experiencing homelessness sleeping on the ground or in common seating areas near baggage claim over the past several months.
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Charlotte Airport
“What surprised me was workers just walked by, security people, staff from the airport, and nobody even looked,” he said.
Airport officials sent the following statement in response to the claims:
In June 2024, CLT established a Premises Access Policy, which is common at other airports around the country, outlining that those who are on airport property must be here for aviation business purposes. This was done to provide for the safety and security of the traveling public, those assisting them, airport employees and the U.S. National Airspace System.
If a CLT staff member observes anyone in public areas (ticketing and baggage claim) for approximately four hours or more, they approach them to inquire about their business purpose at the Airport. If the individual does not have a valid business purpose, they may be offered a bus pass or other assistance as appropriate.
CLT remains committed to collaborating with community partners including Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte to support individuals experiencing homelessness and provide resources as needed. In the coming months, signage will be installed at all entryways and doors leading to the Terminal as a reminder that Airport visitors must have a business purpose.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Queen City News reached out to Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte for an update on their efforts to connect people using the airport as a shelter with vital resources. They did not immediately respond for comment.
Snyder said he hopes to see a more coordinated plan to assist unhoused individuals.
“I know there are programs in place to try to get people to stay and shelters and that kind of thing and I know that’s the right thing to do, but you can’t just leave people laying in trash,” Snyder said.
The post ‘People laying in trash’: Travelers concerned over Charlotte airport homeless policy first appeared on Enegxi News – News As It’s Happening.
